Maryland Preservation Awards

The Maryland Historical Trust began its tradition of honoring outstanding preservation efforts throughout the state in 1975 with the creation of the Calvert Prize.  The Maryland Preservation Awards are presented annually by the Board of Trustees and honor outstanding achievements in the following categories:  Leadership and Service; Education and Community Engagement; Project Excellence; and Stewardship. The awards recognize activities in historic preservation, architecture, archaeology, museums, cultural conservation, education, and related fields and represent the best of preservation in Maryland.

Individuals, non-profit and for-profit organizations or institutions, museums, and federal, state and local agencies are all eligible to receive MHT Preservation Awards.  Current MHT staff, Trustees and projects solely sponsored by MHT are not eligible.  Projects using MHT grant funds are eligible.  Self-nominations are accepted.

Leadership and Service

Awards presented for leadership and service recognize individuals, organizations, agencies and institutions for laudable activities or accomplishments that advance the public's appreciation, understanding and/or involvement in historic preservation and/or conservation of living traditions at the local, regional, and state levels in Maryland. The activitiy or service can be related to a specific project or advocacy effort, or recognize leadership or involvement with one or more activities or organizations over time. Examples of nominees could include historic preservation commissions or individual commissioners, elected officials, staff from local governments, or nonprofit organizations, members of the local business community, Main Street organizations, etc. The activitiy or service must have been completed within the last two years or be ongoing.

Included in this group of awards is the Calvert Prize, which is presented to an individual, organization, agency or institution for paramount leadership in or contributions to the preservation of Maryland's architectural and cultural heritage at the statewide level. The Calvert Prize was the first award created by the Board in 1975.

Education and Community Engagement

Awards presented for education and community engagement recognize outstanding achievements by individuals, organizations, government agencies, and other entities in development and producing projects and materials that educate and engage the public with Maryland's past. Examples of eligible projects can include, but are not limited to, outstanding publications, videos, public archaeological digs, creative training programs, innovative museum exhibits, informational brochures and technical briefs, and planning processes that generate dialogue about history and historic preservation. The activity or product must have been completed wtihin two years of being nominated.

The Trust will evaluate nominations in three broad groups:

• public programs and exhibitions,
• media and publications, and
• community engagement.

Project Excellence

Project Excellence awards are presented to property owners, project sponsors, contractors, and other entities for restoration or rehabilitation projects of all sizes, scopes, and on all types of properties. The design, materials, and workmanship of honored projects must demonstrate superlative historic preservation standards. Projects can include additions to historic structures; adaptive reuse of historic structures; construction of a sensitive new building in a historic environment; and restoration or rehabilitation of a historic structure. Projects by do-it-yourselfers as well as those done by professionals are welcome. All nominated projects must have been completed within the last two years.

The Trust is specifically interested in receiving nominations for the following types of projects:

• projects that incorporate both historic preservation and sustainable design / green building principles;
• commercial/institutional rehabilitation projects;
• residential rehabilitation projects;
• projects resulting from public/private partnerships; and
• projects that are catalysts for neighborhood revitalization.

Stewardship

Stewardship Awards recognize outstanding effort and intent toward the maintenance and preservation of historic properties by individuals, businesses, organizations, and government agencies of all types and sizes. The intent of stewardship awards is to recognize the hard work, time, effort, money, and dedication that is often required to maintain and preserve historically significant buildings and sites. Nominations don't need to be focused on a particular project, but rather should illuminate a history of care and commitment to preservation of historic properties.

The Trust gives two awards in this category:

Outstanding Stewardship of a Maryland Historical Trust Easement Property - Awards are given to theowners/caretakers of properties that are under perpetual easement to the Maryland Historical Trust for a demonstrated track record of care and dedication to the property and to upholding the highest standards of preservation and maintenance.

Outstanding Stewardship of Historic Properties by a Government Agency - Awards are presented to federal, State, or local government agencies based upon the number and significance of the properties owned and/or cared for by the agency, the extent to which the agency has developed and implemented policies and procedures for the management and maintenance of the properties